Exodus 20:12

New International Version

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Ephesians 6:2

"Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with a promise),

When I was a child. I had a good Mom and Dad. I still do. I am grateful for how they raised me. I didn't always listen to them and got into trouble once or twice, but they corrected me out of love and set me straight. They are a blessing. I suppose that not everyone, every child, can say that. Some may find it hard to speak to their parents, and can't be in the same room with them without an argument. No way they could honor them. The thing is this verse doesn't have any conditions attached to it. It says to honor your parents, not if they are good. It says to honor them so your life will be long. So is it just possible it will be short if you don't? Or if you didn't? And this verse doesn't have a time limit, or an expiration date, either. My parents are in their 90s and I think they deserve more honor for a good life lived longer, not less.

My parents taught me to respect my elders, my teachers, as well as them. As a military brat, I saw the purpose of honor and respect. I saw it in action every time I was on base. The salute, the yes sir, or yes chief. Without honor and respect, which is a kind of love, the Navy, like any military family, or any family would fall apart. I think this can apply to a church, a business, or a neighborhood too.

To honor someone (remember the words, love, honor, and obey? Are they used any longer?) is a conscious decision. It starts from the time you decide to speak to someone. Don't do like I did on more than one occasion, to speak disrespectfully, to use bitter words, which could have escalated into hateful ones.

I was and still am part of a family and with just a little bit of thought, I can honor my neighborhood family as well as my parents. I can always find in my family something to be thankful for. I am thankful for my friends, who make my life better, and for my parents, who after all, gave me life in the first place.

Proverbs 15: 19-33

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,

but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father,

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,

but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers, they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—

and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent

to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,

but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,

but gracious words are pure in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,

but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,

but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction

will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,

but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,

and humility comes before honor.